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AUM

Pranava or AUM is the universally
accepted symbol of Hinduism. Literally, the word Pranava means "That by
which God is effectively praised". It also means "That which is never new".
Actually AUM comprises of three independent letters A, U and M, each of
which has its own meaning and significance. The letter 'A' represents the
beginning (Adimatwa), 'U' represents Progress (Utkarsha) and 'M' represents
limit or dissolution (Miti). Hence, the word AUM represents that power
responsible for creation, development and disolution of the Universe, namely
GOD himself.

ShivaLinga

Literally, Shiva means auspiciousness,
and Linga means a sign of symbol. Hence, the ShivaLinga is the symbol of
the Great God of the Universe who is all-auspicious-ness. Shiva also means
One in whom the whole creation sleeps after dissolution. Linga also means
the same thing - a place where created objects get dissolved during disintegration
of the created Universe. Since according to Hinduism, it is the same God
who creates, sustains amd withdraw the Universe, the ShivaLinga represents
symbolically God himself.

ShivaLingas may be 'Chala'
(movable) or 'Achala' (immovable). The Chala Lingas may be kept in the
shrine of one's own home for worship or prepared temporarily with materials
like clay or dough or rice for worship and dispensed with after the worship.
The Chala lingas can also be worn on the body as Ishtalinga as the Virasaivas
do.

The 'Achala Lingas' are those
installed in temples. They are usually made of stones and have three parts.
The lowest part which is square is called Brahmabhaga and represents Brahma
the creator. The middle part which is octagonal is called Vishnubhaga and
represents Vishnu the sustainer. These two parts are embedded inside the
pedestal. The Rudrabhaga which is cylindrical and projects outside the
pedestal is the one to which worship is offered. Hence, it is also called
the Pujabhaga.

The Pujabhaga also contains
certain horizontal lines technically called Brahmasutra, whithout which
the Linga becomes unfit for worship.

The
Bull or Nandi

Nandi, the happy one - The
Bull on which Lord Shiva rides is another common hindu symbol. It represents
virility and strength, the animal in the man. In Shiva temples, there is
always a reclining bull placed in front of the chief shrine or just outside
it, with the head turned away from the deity but the gaze fixed on it.
It is interpreted as the Jivatman, the individual soul, with its animal
nature pulling it away from God, but his grace pulling it back to Him.

The
Lotus

The Lotus bud is born in
water and unfolds itself into a beautiful flower. Hence, it is taken as
the symbol of the Universe coming out of the Sun. It rises from the navel
of Lord Vishnu and is the seat of Brahma the creator. Hence, the sacredness
associated with it. Also, psychic centers in the body associated with the
rising of the Kundalini power are pictured as lotuses.

The
Swastika

The Swastika is a symbol
of auspiciousness (Swasti = Auspiciousness). It has been used as a symbol
of the Sun or of Lord Vishnu. It also represents the world-wheel, the eternally
changing world, round a fixed and unchanging centre, God. Swastika marks,
depicted on doors or walls of buildings or on animals are beleived to protect
them from the wrath of evil spirits or furies of the nature

Nataraj

Hinduism in the World

Hinduism existed
long before the sun rose on the kingdoms of Egypt or set on the Roman Empire;
even before it sparkled upon the Chinese civilization. When much of Europe was
still sunk in sleep, Hindu astronomers were mapping the skies, doctors were
performing surgery and seers were composing pictures.

The growth and
spread of Hinduism lies in the fact that it is broad-minded, encourages al scientific
and social developments.

Hindu Population in the
World

Presently, Hindus
comprise 13.7% (765,351,710) of the world's population residing in 150 countries.
The major countries are